Hamlet.—"Thou com'st in such a questionable shape."—
Shakespeare.
Questionable!—ay; so very questionable, in my opinion, is the fact of their coming at all, that I am now going to question whether they ever did, or can come. This opinion I know is opposed to a very general, a long-established, and with some a deeply-rooted belief in supernatural appearances, and is opposed to what may be almost considered as well-authenticated facts, which neither the repeated exposure of very many "ghost tricks," and clearly-proved imposture, nor sound philosophical arguments, have been able to set aside altogether. Most persons, therefore, will no doubt consider that the task of "laying" all the ghosts that have appeared, and putting a stop to any others ever making an appearance, is a most difficult task. This is granted; and although I do not believe, like Owen Glendower, that I can "call the spirits from the vasty deep," but on the contrary agree in this respect with Hotspur, if I did call that they would not come, I nevertheless, although no conjuror, do conjure up for the occasion hosts of ghosts which I see I have to contend against. Yes, I do see before me, "in my mind's eye"—
A vast army, composed of ghost, goblin, and sprite!"
With their eyes full of fire, all gleaming with spite!"
All lurking about in the "dead of the night""
With their faces so pale and their shrouds all so white!"
Or hiding about in dark holes and corners,"
To fright grown-up folk, or little "Jack Horners.""
But though they all stand in this fierce grim array,"